Attorneys general are a leading consumer protection force in the country, generally receiving their authority from state consumer protection laws giving the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state or territory. Some federal statutes also give attorneys general jurisdiction to enforce federal consumer protection laws. Additional consumer protection authority is based on the common law.
Attorneys general serve the public in a variety of ways in the sphere of consumer protection. These include:
- Education: Making consumers aware of their consumer rights and potential scams/frauds through speaking engagements, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices, social media, and other communications.
- Mediation: Serving as an independent mediator regarding disputes that consumers have with businesses.
- Consumers can file complaints with attorneys general, some of which offer a mediation service generally relying on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business. The mediator, who is independent and neutral, acts as a "go between" for the consumer and the business. Consumer complaints can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process.
- Enforcement: Investigation, settlement, and litigation of consumer protection matters.
Learn more about the role of attorneys general in consumer protection or how attorneys general work together on consumer protection matters.
Areas of Interest
Attorneys general have broad jurisdiction when it comes to consumer protection. Below are some of the numerous topics addressed by attorneys general.
- Annuities
- Automobiles
- Debt Relief
- Dietary Supplements and Pharmaceuticals
- Do-Not-Call/Robocalls
- For-Profit Colleges
- Government Imposters
- Health Fraud
- Mortgage Servicing
- Natural Disasters
- Predatory Leasing
- Privacy and Identity Theft
- Scams
- Seniors
- Servicemembers and Veterans
- Student Learn Servicing
- Telecommunication
Learn more about these topics by visiting ConsumerResources.org.
Courses and Trainings
- Charities
- Consumer Protection
- Charities
- Consumer Protection
Policy Letters
- Consumer Protection
- Technology
Bipartisan Coalition Urges Meta to Take Action Against Investment Scam Ads
The attorneys general called on Meta to enhance its advertiser vetting processes and increase human oversight of investment-related ads.
- Consumer Protection
Bipartisan Attorneys General Coalition Urges Passage of Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act
The legislation seeks to end the abusive use of mortgage credit trigger leads while preserving their use in narrowly defined, consumer-consented circumstances.
- Consumer Protection
- NAAG, Attorneys General
- Public Health
- Wellness
39 State and Territory Attorneys General Support Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Youth Substance Use
The coalition emphasizes the critical role of the LSC in ensuring that the legal system works for all Americans, particularly those who face economic barriers to adequate legal counsel.
